John Muir Trail Gear List

One of the most coveted thru hikes in North America is the John Muir Trail. The full through hike is roughly 211 miles of trail that winds through a wide mountainous landscapes with a full 80,000 feet of total elevation change.

This is a hike that even seriously experienced backpackers will spend years of planning and training to accomplish. Although it can be accomplished in as little as 7 days, it is more generally hiked over a longer period, up to a three-week trek.

You will need to do research and consult with people that have hiked the trail to make your plans, and of course, your individual JMT gear list will need to be adjusted accordingly. Deciding on where, when and what to restock is another set of choices that need to be made.

This guide is a basic primer for those interested in the JMT, but who are in the early stages of working towards gearing up for this grand once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

As with any backpacking gear list, there is a balance you must strike between weight and comfort. Some of the trails are steep, so keep that in mind when deciding on your final gear weight.

The Gear List

Permit – yes you need one, and you should apply about 200 days in advance, they are a hassle

Pack

Pack cover

Tent – 3 season tent, expect rough weather

Tarp/ground cloth

Sleeping bag – plan for cold nights, get at least 15° rated

Sleeping pad

Pillow

Trekking poles – A must, this is an Alpine trail

Stove and fuel

Utensils

Multitool

Small trowel

Compass

Trail maps or trail guide

First aid kit

Whistle

Signal mirror

Compass

Duct tape

Rope, 20 feet

Fire kit

Water filtration system, back up water purification tabs

Water bottles and/or hydration bladders

Bear Canister – A must, this trail goes through grizzly country, also required by the Park Service

Plan about 6,000 calories of food and drink a day on the trail, depending on how hard you hike.

Clothing

Remember that packing moisture wicking fabrics, and planning layers is always the way to go with backpacking gear. The Alpine nature of the JMT requires that you are prepared for cold weather as well as milder conditions, and a variety of weather.

Jackets – rain, wind AND insulated jackets will cover your bases the best

Rain pants or a rain kilt to cover your legs in the event of precipitation

Hiking boots

Camp shoes or sandals – got to let those feet air out daily!

Top/bottom/socks reserved for sleepwear

Shorts

Long pants

Extra socks and underwear

Gloves

Warm hat

Sun hat

Gaitors

Long sleeve shirt

Mosquito head net – I mentioned the mosquitos, right? Still not joking.

Wicking t-shirt

Wicking long pants

Sports bra

Motivation

On a parting note, if you have not had a chance to see it yet, this full documentary of the John Muir Trail will get you motivated for some of the most breathtaking views of nature that make this one of the most popular thru hikes in America!

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